How to Roast a Whole Head of Garlic

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)

    No special preparation needed — just a hot oven.

  2. 2

    Cut the top off the garlic head

    Using a sharp knife, cut about 1cm off the top of the entire garlic head — just enough to expose the tips of all the cloves inside. Leave the papery skin intact.

  3. 3

    Drizzle with olive oil and season

    Place the garlic head cut-side up on a piece of foil. Drizzle about a teaspoon of olive oil over the exposed cloves so it seeps down between them. Add a pinch of salt.

  4. 4

    Wrap loosely in foil and roast

    Wrap the foil around the garlic head loosely — creating a little parcel. Place directly on the oven rack or in a small baking dish. Roast for 40–45 minutes until the cloves are deeply golden, very soft, and the whole kitchen smells incredible.

  5. 5

    Cool slightly then squeeze out cloves

    Let the garlic cool for 10 minutes — it is very hot inside the foil. Then squeeze the head from the bottom — the soft, golden cloves pop out of the papery skin easily. They should be the consistency of soft butter.

What to do with roasted garlicSpread directly on toast or crusty bread. Stir into mashed potato. Mix into pasta with olive oil and parmesan. Add to hummus for a sweeter, mellower flavour. Blend into salad dressings or sauces. Spread on pizza base instead of tomato sauce.

Roasting Individual Cloves

Peel individual cloves, toss in olive oil, wrap in foil and roast at 180°C for 25–30 minutes. Use for adding to dishes without the squeeze-out step — already peeled and ready.

Storage

Roasted garlic keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

The cloves should be very soft when pressed, deeply golden-brown in colour, and slightly caramelised. If they still feel firm, wrap back up and roast for another 10 minutes. Undercooked roasted garlic is starchy and sharp — fully roasted garlic is sweet and mellow.
Yes — prepare the same way (cut top off, drizzle with oil, wrap in foil). Air fry at 180°C for 25–30 minutes. The result is excellent and faster than the oven.